A twenty-six foot statue just said your name, and no, nobody warned you that was happening today. A towering animatronic figure greets visitors personally here, somehow knowing exactly what to call every single guest walking up toward the entrance.
Rides and attractions fill the surrounding acres too, enough variety to keep families occupied well beyond that first slightly unsettling, slightly magical greeting in this stretch of Minnesota.
Building an entire park around one giant talking figure takes serious commitment to a very specific kind of roadside charm most places wouldn’t attempt today. This one leaned in decades ago anyway, turning novelty into a lasting attraction families still return to repeatedly.
Few greetings feel this oddly personal from something so enormous. Minnesota keeps this giant talking, and somehow it never stops being delightful.
Babe the Blue Ox Steals a Few Photos
Every legend needs a sidekick. For Paul, that sidekick is a giant blue ox named Babe, and she is just as photo friendly as her famous partner.
The story goes that Paul found Babe as a calf during the Winter of the Blue Snow, and she stayed blue forever after. Kids love hearing that tale, and the statue makes it easy to picture. Her bright color pops against the green Minnesota trees, so even quick phone pictures turn out cheerful.
Take your group photo here early in the day. The light is softer, and the kids still have clean faces before the ice cream and dust kick in. Ha. Trust me on that one.
Babe also makes a good meeting spot. If your family splits up to try different rides, just say meet at the blue ox. Nobody will get confused, because nothing else in the park is quite that shade of blue.
Vintage Rides With Real Old School Thrills
Nothing here is shiny or brand new, and that is exactly the point. The rides look like they rolled right out of a county fair from your childhood, bright paint and all.
You will find a Ferris wheel, a carousel, bumper cars, a small coaster, a train, and spinning rides that bring out plenty of giggles. Many are made for younger riders, so even shorter kids can hop on most of them. Visitors often mention that the Ferris wheel spins faster than expected.
Hold on tight and enjoy the view of the treetops.
Some rides need an attendant, and staff move between them during the day. If one looks closed, wait a few minutes or try another nearby. It usually opens again soon.
Parents of toddlers will find the carousel and train perfect starter rides. Older kids can ride the same favorites over and over since lines are often short or missing.
Adults who join tiny riders for height rules should know the spinning rides pack a punch. Maybe skip the big lunch before the boat ride.
Meeting Paul, the Giant Who Knows Your Name
My favorite moment came in the first ten seconds. A small boy walked up, and the huge figure in front of him said his name out loud. His jaw dropped so far it almost hit the gravel.
Paul Bunyan has been greeting families in the Brainerd area for decades, and he is one of the most famous roadside giants in Minnesota. He sits at the entrance, hands on his knees, looking down with a friendly grin.
Staff work the magic behind the scenes, so Paul can chat, joke, and answer questions from kids who visit.
Fair warning. The speaker can sound a little fuzzy, and a few younger kids find the booming voice a bit spooky at first. Most warm up fast, especially once Paul says something kind or funny.
Let your kids ask him anything. Where he sleeps, what he eats, how big Babe is. The answers are part of the fun.
Grown-ups who visited as children often say this greeting feels exactly the same as it did years ago, and honestly, that is the charm.
Flying Over the Grass on the Zipline
Here is a surprise many families do not expect. The zipline is included with park admission, which makes it one of the best treats of the day.
Kids climb up, get clipped in, and zoom across with a happy scream. Even an eight-year-old who thinks the other rides look too babyish usually lights up after a run on this one. It gives older kids a little taste of adventure without feeling scary.
Patience helps here. Each rider needs to be strapped in and checked, so the line can move slowly, especially on busier days. Bring water and maybe a snack to make the wait easier.
Plan to visit the zipline early or during a quiet stretch in the afternoon. That way you spend more time flying and less time standing.
Shoes matter too. Wear sneakers or sturdy sandals with straps, since flip-flops tend to fly off at the worst moment. Nobody wants to chase a lost sandal across the grass while everyone watches. Well, maybe the kids would find it funny.
Goats, Grins, and the Petting Barn
The goats know exactly who has food. Hold out a little cup, and suddenly you are the most popular person in the barn.
The petting barn is a calm break from all the spinning and zooming. Kids can reach out, touch soft noses, and watch the animals nibble with funny little lip wiggles. Toddlers especially love this area, since it lets them explore at their own slow pace.
Bring cash and some coins if you want to buy feed. That small tip saves a trip back to the car, which can feel far on a hot day.
Show kids how to hold their hands flat while feeding. It keeps fingers safe and makes the experience smoother for everyone, goats included.
Hand wipes or sanitizer are a smart thing to tuck in your bag. After petting animals, little hands go straight to faces and snacks, so a quick clean-up helps.
One more thing. The goats may try to nibble a shirt corner or a stroller strap. It is harmless and usually earns the biggest laugh of the afternoon.
Wandering Through This Old Farm Pioneer Village
I could have spent hours inside these old buildings. The pioneer village holds a huge collection of antiques that tells the story of farm and small-town life from long ago.
Paul Bunyan Land shares its grounds with This Old Farm, and the village is a highlight for many grown-ups. You can peek into old shops, a schoolhouse feel, tools, machines, and everyday items that our great-grandparents used. Some rooms have mannequins dressed in old clothing.
Kids find them a little creepy, which somehow makes them even more fun.
Take your time here. Read the signs, point out strange gadgets, and let kids guess what each one did. The guessing game can turn into a big family laugh.
Many visitors say this village ended up being their favorite part of the trip, even more than the rides. It mixes history with curiosity in a way that feels hands-on and real.
Snacks, Ice Cream, and Picnic Breaks
Ice cream cones taste better after the fifth ride on the bumper cars. That might be science. It might just be summer.
Food options include a snack bar near the train, plus a candy and ice cream shop. Fries are a favorite with many kids, and treats make a great midday reward. The candy and ice cream shop takes cash only, while the snack bar near the train accepts cards or cash.
Knowing this ahead of time keeps things smooth. Families who like to pack their own lunch are in luck. There is a picnic area where you can spread out sandwiches, fruit, and chips under the open sky.
Hot days in Minnesota can sneak up on you, sometimes reaching the nineties. Bring refillable water bottles and take shade breaks, especially for little ones.
A cooler in the car is a handy backup plan. Grab lunch, rest for a bit, then head back in for round two of rides. A slow, unhurried pace makes this park feel easy and relaxed.
Fall Fun With Corn Mazes and Haunted Thrills
Autumn gives this park a whole new mood. Golden corn, crisp air, and a little spooky energy make fall visits feel totally different from summer days.
The corn maze is a hit with families who like a challenge. Kids race ahead, take wrong turns, and laugh their way back to the right path. It is great exercise too, though nobody will notice because they are having too much fun.
Then there is the haunted house. It gets talked about a lot, and for good reason. Brave kids and teens love the shivers, while smaller ones might prefer holding a grown-up’s hand the whole way.
Check the park website before heading out for seasonal hours and events. Fall schedules can change, and you will want to plan the right day.
Dress in layers. Minnesota mornings in fall can feel chilly, while afternoons warm up fast. A light jacket you can tie around your waist is just right.
Many families who visit in summer say they want to come back for the fall version. Easy to see why.
Camping Right Next Door
Waking up to birdsong and pine trees, then heading to a theme park after breakfast, sounds pretty great. The campground here makes that possible.
Sites with water and electric hookups are available, which works well for RVs and campers. The grounds tend to feel quiet and roomy, a nice change from crowded campgrounds in peak season. Families can relax by the fire at night and swap stories about who screamed loudest on the Ferris wheel.
Campground guests can get a discount on park tickets. Ask the office about the details when booking, so you know exactly what to expect.
Another bonus is the shuttle. Staff have been known to give campers a ride between the campsite and the park, which saves tired legs at the end of the day. Bring bug spray. Minnesota mosquitoes take their job very seriously, especially near dusk.
The Brainerd Lakes area is also packed with lakes and trails, so a camping stay lets you explore more than just the rides. Make it a mini vacation if you can.
Tips for a Smooth Day at the Park
Small parks reward smart planning. A few simple tricks can turn a good day into a great one.
Go on a weekday if you can. Families who visited on quiet days say it felt like they had the whole place to themselves. Short lines mean more rides and fewer meltdowns.
Know that the park suits younger kids best, roughly toddlers through early grade school. Older kids may still have fun, especially on the zipline, but many families finish their visit in about three to five hours.
Staff here earn plenty of praise for being friendly and playful with kids. Some rides wait for an attendant, so a little patience goes a long way. Bring cash for goat feed and the ice cream shop, plus sunscreen and water.
If you book old-time photos, ask questions first so you know how the photos will be delivered.
Paul Bunyan Land Amusement Park and Campground sits at 17553 MN-18, Brainerd, MN 56401, just east of town. Say hi to Paul for me. He will probably say hi back.
